The book is full of great advice (honestly, I've underlined half of it!), so here are three foolproof tips to remember when meeting new people...

1) Ask people about their last few hours. When you're at a party and want to get a new acquaintance talking, "ask about her day," suggests Lowndes. "Visualize as many details as you can and ask about them." It's such an easy and fresh way to start a conversation--and she'll love it "because she is so close to the experience," swears Lowndes.

2) Count their blinks. If you want to make good eye contact (instead of seeming shifty!), examine ten characteristics of the person's eyes, says Lowndes. "Check out the length and color of their lashes. Are they wearing contact lenses or glasses? How far apart are their eyes?" After a few months of doing these mental exercises, "strong eye contact will be second nature," she says.

3) Give people a nickname. If you think someone will enjoy it, "give him a flattering nickname," says Lowndes. "It makes you memorable and, at its very least, gives you both a smile." This tip made me laugh because my old friend R. used to give people nicknames all the time. (I was "Jo-Bird," for example.) It was so endearing! What's your nickname?

Simple but smart, right? What about you, my darlings? Are you shy or outgoing? Do you find it easy or tough to talk to strangers? What do you do that makes it easier? xoxo